Method of treating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

ABSTRACT

A compound of Formula (I): 
                         
or a metabolite thereof, or an ester of the compound of Formula (I) or the metabolite thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of each thereof, wherein m, n, X 1  and X 2  are as defined herein, is useful for treating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and/or reducing one or more of hepatic fibrosis, lobular inflammation, and hepatocellular ballooning.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of the priority date of U.S.application Ser. No. 13/706,161 filed Dec. 5, 2012, which claims thebenefit of priority date of Provisional U.S. Application No. 61/568,517,filed Dec. 8, 2011, the contents of each of which are incorporated byreference herein in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to methods of treating non-alcoholic fatty liverdisease (NAFLD), and/or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and/ornegative effects of each thereof by administering phenoxyalkylcarboxylicacids such as MN-001 and MN-002.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) refers to fat accumulation inthe liver that is not related to alcohol consumption. Fat may accumulateas a result of obesity, diabetes or other conditions. In a small numberof people, NAFLD progresses to liver inflammation, scarring and,eventually, liver failure. This serious form of the disease is sometimescalled non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NAFLD and NASH are agrowing problem worldwide, affecting people of every age. NAFLD and NASHare currently the fastest-rising indicator for liver transplant.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention provides a method of treating apatient suffering from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) ornon-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) comprising administering to apatient in need thereof an effective amount of a compound of Formula(I):

or a metabolite thereof, or an ester of the compound of Formula (I) orthe metabolite thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of eachthereof, wherein m is an integer from 2 to 5, and n is an integer from 3to 8, X¹ and X² each independently represent a sulfur atom, a oxygenatom, a sulfinyl (—S(O)—) group or a sulfonyl (—S(O)₂—) group, providedthat X¹ and X² are not simultaneously oxygen atoms.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of reducingliver inflammation in a patient suffering from NAFLD or NASH comprisingadministering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of acompound of Formula (I), or an ester thereof, or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt of each thereof, wherein the compound of Formula (I) isdefined as above.

In a preferred embodiment, the compound of Formula (I) is a compound ofFormula (IA) (or MN-001):

In another preferred embodiment, the metabolite of the compound ofFormula (I) and (IA) is a compound of Formula (IB) (or MN-002):

In one embodiment, the patient is suffering from NAFLD. In anotherembodiment, the patient is suffering from NASH.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Definitions

As used herein, and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an”and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictatesotherwise.

“Administering” or “Administration of” a drug to a patient (andgrammatical equivalents of this phrase) includes both directadministration, including self-administration, and indirectadministration, including the act of prescribing a drug. For example, asused herein, a physician who instructs a patient to self-administer adrug and/or provides a patient with a prescription for a drug isadministering the drug to the patient.

“Cx” when placed before a group refers to the number of carbon atoms inthat group to be X.

“Alkyl” refers to a monovalent acyclic hydrocarbyl radical having 1-12carbon atoms. Non limiting examples of alkyl include methyl, ethyl,propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, tertiary butyl, pentyl, hexyl andthe like.

“Aryl” refers to a monovalent aromatic hydrocarbyl radical having up to10 carbon atoms. Non-limiting examples of aryl include phenyl andnaphthyl.

“Heteroaryl” refers to an aromatic group of from 1 to 10 carbon atomsand 1 to 4 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen,nitrogen, sulfur within the aromatic ring, wherein the nitrogen and/orsulfur atom(s) of the heteroaryl are optionally oxidized (e.g., N-oxide,—S(O)— or —S(O)₂—). Such heteroaryl groups can have a single ring (e.g.,pyridyl or furyl) or multiple condensed rings (e.g., indolizinyl orbenzothienyl) wherein the condensed rings may or may not be aromaticand/or contain a heteroatom provided that the point of attachment isthrough an atom of the aromatic heteroaryl group. Non limiting examplesof heteroaryl include pyridyl, pyrrolyl, indolyl, thiophenyl, and furyl.

“Cycloalkyl” refers to a monovalent non-aromatic cyclic hydrocarbylradical having 3-12 carbon atoms. Non limiting examples of cycloalkylinclude cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, and the like.

“Heterocyclyl” refers to a monovalent non-aromatic cyclic group of 1 to10 carbon atoms and 1 to 4 heteroatoms selected from the groupconsisting of oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur within the cycle, wherein thenitrogen and/or sulfur atom(s) of the heteroaryl are optionally oxidized(e.g., N-oxide, —S(O)— or —S(O)₂—). Such heteroaryl groups can have asingle ring (e.g., piperidinyl or tetrahydrofuranyl) or multiplecondensed rings wherein the condensed rings may or may not be aromaticand/or contain a heteroatom provided that the point of attachment isthrough an atom of the non-aromatic heterocyclyl group. Non limitingexamples of heterocyclyl include pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl,and the like.

“Amino” refers to —NH₂.

“Alkylamino” refers to —NHR_(B), wherein R_(B) is C₁-C₆ alkyl optionallysubstituted with 1-3 aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, or heterocyclylgroup.

“Dialkylamino” refers to —N(R_(B))₂, wherein R_(B) is defined as above.

“Comprising” shall mean that the methods and compositions include therecited elements, but not exclude others. “Consisting essentially of”when used to define methods and compositions, shall mean excluding otherelements of any essential significance to the combination for the statedpurpose. Thus, a composition consisting essentially of the elements asdefined herein would not exclude trace contaminants from the isolationand purification method and pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, suchas phosphate buffered saline, preservatives and the like. “Consistingof” shall mean excluding more than trace elements of other ingredientsand substantial method steps for administering the compositions of thisinvention or process steps to produce a composition or achieve anintended result. Embodiments defined by each of these transitional termsand phrases are within the scope of this invention.

“Effective amount” of a compound utilized herein is an amount that, whenadministered to a patient with NAFLD or NASH will have the intendedtherapeutic effect, e.g., alleviation, amelioration, palliation orelimination of one or more manifestations of the medical condition inthe patient. The full therapeutic effect does not necessarily occur byadministration of one dose (or dosage), and may occur only afteradministration of a series of doses. Thus, an effective amount may beadministered in one or more administrations.

“Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis” or NASH is a common liver disease, whichresembles alcoholic liver disease, but occurs in people who drink littleor no alcohol. The major feature in NASH is fat in the liver, along withinflammation and damage. NASH can lead to cirrhosis, in which the liveris permanently damaged and scarred and is no longer able to workproperly. NASH affects 2 to 5 percent of the U.S. population. Currently,no specific therapies for NASH exist. An additional 10 to 20 percent ofAmericans have fat in their liver, but no substantial inflammation orliver damage, a condition called “non-alcoholic fatty liver disease”(NAFLD). Although having fat in the liver is not normal, by itself itprobably causes little harm or permanent damage. If fat is suspectedbased on blood test results or scans of the liver, this problem isreferred to as NAFLD. If a liver biopsy is performed in this case, itwill show that some people have NASH while others have NAFLD.

NASH is usually first suspected in a person who is found to haveelevations in liver tests that are included in routine blood testpanels, such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or aspartateaminotransferase (AST). When further evaluation shows no apparent reasonfor liver disease (such as medications, viral hepatitis, or excessiveuse of alcohol) and when x rays or imaging studies of the liver showfat, NASH is suspected. NASH is diagnosed and separated from NAFLD by aliver biopsy. For a liver biopsy, a needle is inserted through the skinto remove a small piece of the liver. NASH is diagnosed when examinationof the tissue with a microscope shows fat along with inflammation anddamage to liver cells. If the tissue shows fat without inflammation anddamage, NAFLD is diagnosed. An important piece of information learnedfrom the biopsy is whether scar tissue has developed in the liver.

NASH can slowly worsen, causing scarring or fibrosis to appear andaccumulate in the liver. As fibrosis worsens, cirrhosis develops; theliver becomes severely scarred, hardened, and unable to functionnormally. Once serious scarring or cirrhosis is present, few treatmentscan halt the progression. A person with cirrhosis experiences fluidretention, muscle wasting, bleeding from the intestines, and liverfailure. Liver transplantation is the only treatment for advancedcirrhosis with liver failure, and transplantation is increasinglyperformed in people with NASH. For example, NASH ranks as one of themajor causes of cirrhosis in the U.S.A., behind hepatitis C andalcoholic liver disease.

“Pharmaceutically acceptable” refers to non-toxic and suitable foradministration to a patient, including a human patient.

“Pharmaceutically acceptable salts” refer to salts that are non-toxicand are suitable for administration to patients. Non-limiting examplesinclude alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, and various primary,secondary, and tertiary ammonium salts. When the ester of the compoundof Formula (I) includes a cationic portion, for example, when the esterincludes an amino acid ester, the salts thereof can include variouscarboxylic acid, sulfonic acid, and miner acid salts. Certain nonlimiting examples of salts include sodium, potassium, and calcium salts.

“Protecting groups” refer to well known functional groups which, whenbound to a functional group, render the resulting protected functionalgroup inert to the reaction to be conducted on other portions of acompound and the corresponding reaction condition, and which can bereacted to regenerate the original functionality under deprotectionconditions. The protecting group is selected to be compatible with theremainder of the molecule. A “carboxylic acid protecting group” protectsthe carboxylic functionality of the phenoxyalkylcarboxylic acids duringtheir synthesis. Non limiting examples of carboxylic acid protectinggroups include, benzyl, p-methoxybenzyl, p-nitrobenzyl, allyl,benzhydryl, and trityl. Additional examples of carboxylic acidprotecting groups are found in standard reference works such as Greeneand Wuts, Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis., 2d Ed., 1991, JohnWiley & Sons, and McOmie Protective Groups in Organic Chemistry, 1975,Plenum Press. Methods for protecting and deprotecting the carboxylicacids disclosed herein can be found in the art, and specifically inGreene and Wuts, supra, and the references cited therein.

“Treating” a medical condition or a patient refers to taking steps toobtain beneficial or desired results, including clinical results. Forpurposes of the various aspects and embodiments of the presentinvention, beneficial or desired clinical results include, but are notlimited to, reduction, alleviation, or amelioration of one or moremanifestations of or negative effects of NAFLD and/or NASH, improvementin one or more clinical outcomes, diminishment of extent of disease,delay or slowing of disease progression, amelioration, palliation, orstabilization of the disease state, and other beneficial resultsdescribed herein.

Preferred Embodiments

In one aspect, the present invention provides a method of treating apatient suffering from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) ornon-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) comprising administering to apatient in need thereof an effective amount of a compound of Formula(I):

or a metabolite thereof, or an ester of the compound of Formula (I) orthe metabolite thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of eachthereof, wherein m is an integer from 2 to 5, and n is an integer from 3to 8, X¹ and X² each independently represent a sulfur atom, an oxygenatom, a sulfinyl group or a sulfonyl group, provided that X¹ and X² arenot simultaneously oxygen atom.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of reducingliver inflammation in a patient suffering from NAFLD or NASH comprisingadministering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of acompound of Formula (I), or a metabolite thereof, or an ester of thecompound of Formula (I) or the metabolite thereof, or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt of each thereof, wherein the compound of Formula (I) isdefined as above.

As used herein, “a metabolite thereof” refers to a metabolite that showssubstantially similar therapeutic activity as a compound of Formula (I).Non limiting examples of such metabolites include compounds where the—COCH₃ group, of a compound of Formula (I), that is attached to thephenyl containing the —O—(CH₂)_(n)CO₂H moiety is metabolized to a1-hydroxyethyl (—CH(OH)Me) group.

Metabolites containing such a 1-hydroxyethyl group contain an asymmetriccenter on the 1-position of the 1-hydroxyethyl group. The correspondingenantiomers and mixtures thereof, including racemic mixtures, areincluded within the metabolites of the compound of Formula (I) asutilized herein.

As used herein, “an ester thereof” refers to an ester of the phenolichydroxy group and/or an ester of the carboxylic acid shown in thecompound of Formula (I), and an ester of the 1-hydroxyethyl (analiphatic hydroxy group) group of a metabolite of the compound Formula(I). An ester of the phenolic and/or the aliphatic hydroxy groups caninclude, without limitation, as the corresponding acid, a carboxylicacid R_(A)—CO₂H, wherein R_(A) is C₁-C₆ alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, C₃-C₁₂cycloalkyl, or C₂-C₈ heterocyclyl, wherein the alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl,cycloalkyl, or heterocyclyl are optionally substituted with 1-4 C₁-C₃alkyl, aryl, CO₂H, amino, alkylamino, or dialkylamino groups. Otheracids such as mono-, di-, or tri phosphoric acids are also contemplated.An ester of the carboxylic acid can include, without limitation, as thecorresponding alcohol, a compound of formula R_(A)—OH, wherein R_(A) isdefined as above. In one embodiment, only the carboxylic acid in Formula(I) is esterified. In another embodiment, only the phenolic hydroxygroup in Formula (I) is esterified. In another embodiment, R_(A) isC₁-C₄ alkyl. As will be apparent to the skilled artisan, such esters actas prodrugs that are hydrolyzed in vivo to release the compound ofFormula (I) or a salt thereof.

In a preferred embodiment, the compound of Formula (I) is a compound ofFormula (IA):

In another preferred embodiment, the metabolite of the compound ofFormula (I) and (IA) is a compound of Formula (IB):

In one embodiment, the patient is suffering from NAFLD. In anotherembodiment, the patient is suffering from NASH. In another embodiment,the compound is administered orally. In another embodiment, the compoundis administered as a tablet or a capsule. In another embodiment, thecompound of Formula (IA) is present in polymorphic form A that issubstantially free of other polymorphic forms. In another embodiment,the compound is administered as a liquid dosage form. In anotherembodiment, the compound is administered in an amount from 100 to 4,000mg/day, divided into one, two, or three portions.

Without being bound by theory, the compounds utilized herein areeffective in treating NAFLD and/or NASH due in part to theiranti-inflammatory activity. It is believed that various receptor sitescan be blocked by the compounds utilized in herein. Few, if any, of theknown inhibitors of inflammatory disease embody all of the followingsites of activity in a single molecule: inhibition of 1) leukotrienesynthesis, 2) leukotriene D-4 receptors, 3) leukotriene E-4 receptors,4) cAMP PDE III, 5) cAMP PDE IV, 6) synthesis of thromboxaneA-2, 7)eosinophil migration and 8) 20 lymphocyte migration. The abovemechanisms are involved and cooperate in different degrees and withdifferent specificities among the wide variety of cells interacting inthe so-called “inflammatory cascade,” to produce a fission-like result.By blocking a wide variety of action sites, the compounds utilizedherein are contemplated to be effective for treating NAFLD and/or NASH.

Synthesis

The synthesis and certain biological activity of the compounds ofFormula (I) are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,985,585 which isincorporated herein in its entirety by reference. For example, thecompound of Formula (IA) is prepared by reacting a phenol of Formula(II):

wherein, R is a carboxylic acid protecting group, with a compound ofFormula (III):

to provide a compound of Formula (IC):

Non limiting examples of acid protecting groups, or R groups, includeC₁-C₆ alkyl, benzyl, benzhydryl, and trityl, wherein the benzyl,benzhydryl, or trityl group is optionally substituted with 1-6 C₁-C₆alkyl, halo, and/or C₁-C₆ alkoxy groups. It will be apparent to theskilled artisan that a leaving group other than the bromo group ofFormula (III) may be used. Non limiting examples of such other leavinggroups include chloro or tosylate.

Deprotection of the protected carboxylic acid of Formula (IC) providesthe compound of Formula (IA). As is apparent based on this disclosure,compounds of Formula (IC) are in some embodiments useful in accordancewith this invention. Non-limiting examples of deprotection methodsinclude, alkaline hydrolysis and hydrogenolysis under H₂ and a catalystsuch as Pd/C or Pt/C.

The reactions are carried out in an inert organic solvent, for exampleand without limitation, acetone, methylethylketone, diethylketone, ordimethylformamide. The nucleophilic displacement reaction may beconducted at a temperature below room temperature up to the refluxtemperature of the solvent, in the presence of an inorganic base, suchas potassium carbonate or sodium carbonate, and optionally in thepresence of potassium iodide. The reactions are carried out for a periodof time sufficient to provide substantial product as determined by wellknown methods such as thin layer chromatography and ¹H-NMR. Othercompounds utilized herein are made by following the procedures describedherein and upon appropriate substitution of starting materials, and/orfollowing methods well known to the skilled artisan. See also, U.S. Pat.No. 5,290,812 (incorporated herein in its entirety by reference).

The compound of Formula (IA) is recrystallized under controlledconditions to provide an essentially pure orthorhombic polymorph,referred to as Form A crystals (e.g., 90% or more, preferably at least95% Form A). Polymorphic Form A and processes for producing it aredescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,060,854 and 7,064,146; which areincorporated herein in their entirety by reference. All polymorphicforms of the compound of Formula (I) are active, but polymorphic Form Ais preferred. Under certain conditions, the solubility and thebioavailability of this polymorph is superior to the other polymorphsand thus Form A may offer improved solid formulations.

Form A crystals can be obtained, for example, by dissolving the compoundof Formula (IA) in 5 to 10 parts by weight of ethanol at 25-40° C. togive a yellow to orange solution. The ethanol solution is charged with1-10 parts of water and agitated at 20-25° C. for about 15-60 minutesand then at 5-10° C. for an additional period of 1-4 hours, preferably2.0-3.0 hours, resulting in an off-white suspension. To this suspensionis added 5-15 parts of water and the mixture is agitated at 5-10° C. foran additional 1-4 hours, preferably 1.5-2.0 hours. A solid, white tooff-white product is isolated by vacuum filtration and the filter cakeis washed with water and dried in a vacuum at 25-40° C. for 12-24 hours.

For compounds utilized herein that exist in enantiomeric forms, such ascertain metabolites of the compound of Formula (I) (for example, thecompound of formula IB), the two enantiomers can be optically resolved.Such a resolution is performed, for example, and without limitation, byforming diastereomeric salt of a base such as(S)-(−)-1-(1-naphthyl)ethylamine with the corresponding carboxylic acidcompound, or by separating the enantiomers using chiral columnchromatography. Intermediates to such compounds, which intermediatesalso exist in enantiomeric forms can be similarly resolved.

Administration and Formulation

The compounds utilized herein can be administered orally, or byintravenous, intramuscular, and subcutaneous injection, or transdermalmethods. Effective dosage levels can vary widely, e.g., from about 100to 4000 mg per day. In one embodiment, the daily dosage range is 250 to2,000 mg, given in one, two or three portions. In another embodiment,the dosage is 1000 mg twice a day. In other embodiments, suitabledosages include 1000 mg qd, 1000 mg bid, and 750 mg tid.

Actual amounts will depend on the circumstances of the patient beingtreated. As those skilled in the art recognize, many factors that modifythe action of the active substance will be taken into account by thetreating physician such as the age, body weight, sex, diet and conditionof the patient, the time of administration, the rate and route ofadministration. Optimal dosages for a given set of conditions can beascertained by those skilled in the art using conventional dosagedetermination tests.

The compounds utilized herein can be formulated in any pharmaceuticallyacceptable form, including liquids, powders, creams, emulsions, pills,troches, suppositories, suspensions, solutions, and the like.Therapeutic compositions containing the compounds utilized herein willordinarily be formulated with one or more pharmaceutically acceptableingredients in accordance with known and established practice. Ingeneral, tablets are formed utilizing a carrier such as modified starch,alone or in combination with 10% by weight of carboxymethyl cellulose(Avicel). The formulations are compressed at from 1,000 to 3,000 poundspressure in the tablet forming process. The tablets preferably exhibitan average hardness of about 1.5 to 8.0 kp/cm², preferably 5.0 to 7.5kp/cm². Disintegration time varies from about 30 seconds to about 15 or20 minutes.

Formulations for oral use can be provided as hard gelatin capsuleswherein the therapeutically active compounds utilized herein are mixedwith an inert solid diluent such as calcium carbonate, calcium phosphateor kaolin, or as soft gelatin capsules in which the compounds are mixedwith an oleaginous medium, e.g., liquid paraffin or olive oil. Suitablecarriers include magnesium carbonate, magnesium stearate, talc, sugar,lactose, pectin, dextrin, starch, gelatin, tragacanth, methylcellulose,sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, a low melting wax, cocoa butter, and thelike.

The compounds utilized herein can be formulated as aqueous suspensionsin admixture with pharmaceutically acceptable excipients such assuspending agents, e.g., sodium carboxymethyl cellulose,methylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, sodium alginate,polyvinylpyrrolidone, gum tragacanth and gum acacia; dispersing orwetting agents such as naturally occurring phosphatide, e.g., lecithin,or condensation products of an alkaline oxide with fatty acids, e.g.,polyoxyethylene stearate, or condensation products of ethylene oxidewith long chain aliphatic alcohols, e.g., heptadecaethylene-oxycetanol,or condensation products of ethylene oxide with partial esters derivedfrom fatty acids and a hexitol, e.g., polyoxyethylene sorbitol monoleateor condensation products of ethylene oxide with partial esters derivedfrom fatty acids and hexitol anhydrides, e.g., polyoxyethylene sorbitanmonoleate. Such aqueous suspensions can also contain one or morepreservatives, e.g., ethyl- or -n-propyl-p-hydroxy benzoate, one or morecoloring agents, one or more flavoring agents and one or more sweeteningagents, such as glycerol, sorbitol, sucrose, saccharin or sodium orcalcium cyclamate.

Suitable formulations also include sustained release dosage forms, suchas those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,788,055; 4,816,264; 4,828,836;4,834,965; 4,834,985; 4,996,047; 5,071,646; and, 5,133,974, the contentsof which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference.

Other forms suitable for oral administration include liquid formpreparations including emulsions, syrups, elixirs, aqueous solutions, orsolid form preparations which are intended to be converted shortlybefore use to liquid form preparations. Emulsions may be prepared insolutions, for example, in aqueous propylene glycol solutions or maycontain emulsifying agents, for example, such as lecithin, sorbitanmonooleate, or acacia. Aqueous solutions can be prepared by dissolvingthe active component in water and adding suitable colorants, flavors,stabilizing, and thickening agents. Solid form preparations may contain,in addition to the active component, colorants, flavors, stabilizers,buffers, artificial and natural sweeteners, dispersants, thickeners,solubilizing agents, and the like.

The compounds utilized herein may be formulated for parenteraladministration (e.g., by injection, for example bolus injection orcontinuous infusion) and may be presented in unit dose form in ampoules,pre-filled syringes, small volume infusion or in multi-dose containerswith an added preservative. The compositions may take such forms assuspensions, solutions, or emulsions in oily or aqueous vehicles, forexample as solutions in aqueous polyethylene glycol. Examples of oily ornonaqueous carriers, diluents, solvents or vehicles include propyleneglycol, polyethylene glycol, vegetable oils (e.g., olive oil), andinjectable organic esters (e.g., ethyl oleate), and may containformulatory agents such as preserving, wetting, emulsifying orsuspending, stabilizing and/or dispersing agents. Alternatively, theactive ingredient may be in powder form, obtained by aseptic isolationof sterile solid or by lyophilisation from solution for constitutionbefore use with a suitable vehicle, e.g., sterile, pyrogen-free water.

The compounds utilized herein may be formulated for topicaladministration to the epidermis as ointments, creams or lotions, or as atransdermal patch. Ointments and creams may, for example, be formulatedwith an aqueous or oily base with the addition of suitable thickeningand/or gelling agents. Lotions may be formulated with an aqueous or oilybase and will in general also containing one or more emulsifying agents,stabilizing agents, dispersing agents, suspending agents, thickeningagents, or coloring agents. Formulations suitable for topicaladministration in the mouth include lozenges comprising active agents ina flavored base, usually sucrose and acacia or tragacanth; pastillescomprising the active ingredient in an inert base such as gelatin andglycerin or sucrose and acacia; and mouthwashes comprising the activeingredient in a suitable liquid carrier.

The compounds utilized herein may be formulated for administration assuppositories. In such a formulation, a low melting wax, such as amixture of fatty acid glycerides or cocoa butter is first melted and theactive component is dispersed homogeneously, for example, by stirring.The molten homogeneous mixture is then poured into convenient sizedmolds, allowed to cool, and to solidify.

The compounds utilized herein may be formulated for vaginaladministration. Pessaries, tampons, creams, gels, pastes, foams orsprays containing in addition to the active ingredient such carriers asare known in the art to be appropriate.

The compounds utilized herein may be formulated for nasaladministration. The solutions or suspensions are applied directly to thenasal cavity by conventional means, for example, with a dropper, pipetteor spray. The formulations may be provided in a single or multidoseform. The patient can administer an appropriate, predetermined volume ofthe solution or suspension via a dropper or pipette. A spray may beadministered for example by means of a metering atomizing spray pump.

The compounds utilized herein may be formulated for aerosoladministration, particularly to the respiratory tract and includingintranasal administration. The compound will generally have a smallparticle size for example of the order of 5 microns or less. Such aparticle size may be obtained by means known in the art, for example bymicronization. The active ingredient is provided in a pressurized packwith a suitable propellant such as a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC), (forexample, dichlorodifluoromethane, trichlorofluoromethane, ordichlorotetrafluoroethane), carbon dioxide or other suitable gases. Theaerosol may conveniently also contain a surfactant such as lecithin. Thedose of drug may be controlled by a metered valve. Alternatively theactive ingredients may be provided in a form of a dry powder, forexample a powder mix of the compound in a suitable powder base such aslactose, starch, starch derivatives such as hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and polyvinylpyrrolidine. The powder carrier will form a gelin the nasal cavity. The powder composition may be presented in unitdose form for example in capsules or cartridges of, for example gelatinor blister packs from which the powder may be administered by means ofan inhaler.

When desired, formulations can be prepared with enteric coatings adaptedfor sustained or controlled release administration of the activeingredient. A common type of controlled release formulation that may beused for the purposes of the present invention comprises an inert core,such as a sugar sphere, a first layer, coated with an innerdrug-containing second layer, and an outer membrane or third layercontrolling drug release from the inner layer.

The cores are preferably of a water-soluble or swellable material, andmay be any such material that is conventionally used as cores or anyother pharmaceutically acceptable water-soluble or water-swellablematerial made into beads or pellets. The cores may be spheres ofmaterials such as sucrose/starch (Sugar Spheres NF), sucrose crystals,or extruded and dried spheres typically comprised of excipients such asmicrocrystalline cellulose and lactose.

The substantially water-insoluble material in the first layer isgenerally a “GI insoluble” or “GI partially insoluble” film formingpolymer (dispersed or dissolved in a solvent). As examples may bementioned ethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate, cellulose acetatebutyrate, polymethacrylates such as ethyl acrylate/methyl methacrylatecopolymer (Eudragit NE-30-D) and ammonio methacrylate copolymer types Aand B (Eudragit RL30D and RS30D), and silicone elastomers. Usually, aplasticizer is used together with the polymer. Exemplary plasticizersinclude: dibutylsebacate, propylene glycol, triethylcitrate,tributylcitrate, castor oil, acetylated monoglycerides, acetyltriethylcitrate, acetyl butylcitrate, diethyl phthalate, dibutylphthalate, triacetin, fractionated coconut oil (medium-chaintriglycerides).

The second layer containing the active ingredient may be comprised ofthe active ingredient (drug) with or without a polymer as a binder. Thebinder, when used, is usually hydrophilic but may be water-soluble orwater-insoluble. Exemplary polymers to be used in the second layercontaining the active drug are hydrophilic polymers such aspolyvinylpyrrolidone, polyalkylene glycol such as polyethylene glycol,gelatine, polyvinyl alcohol, starch and derivatives thereof, cellulosederivatives, such as hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC), hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose,hydroxyethyl cellulose, carboxyethyl cellulose, carboxymethylhydroxyethyl cellulose, acrylic acid polymers, polymethacrylates, or anyother pharmaceutically acceptable polymer. The ratio of drug tohydrophilic polymer in the second layer is usually in the range of from1:100 to 100:1 (w/w).

Suitable polymers for use in the third layer, or membrane, forcontrolling the drug release may be selected from water insolublepolymers or polymers with pH-dependent solubility, such as, for example,ethyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose phthalate, celluloseacetate phthalate, cellulose acetate trimellitate, polymethacrylates, ormixtures thereof, optionally combined with plasticizers, such as thosementioned above.

Optionally, the controlled release layer comprises, in addition to thepolymers above, another substance(s) with different solubilitycharacteristics, to adjust the permeability, and thereby the releaserate, of the controlled release layer. Exemplary polymers that may beused as a modifier together with, for example, ethyl cellulose include:HPMC, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, methylcellulose,carboxymethylcellulose, polyethylene glycol, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP),polyvinyl alcohol, polymers with pH-dependent solubility, such ascellulose acetate phthalate or ammonio methacrylate copolymer andmethacrylic acid copolymer, or mixtures thereof. Additives such assucrose, lactose and pharmaceutical grade surfactants may also beincluded in the controlled release layer, if desired.

Also provided herein are unit dosage forms of the formulations. In suchforms, the formulation is subdivided into unit dosages containingappropriate quantities of the active component (e.g., and withoutlimitation, a compound of Formula (I) or an ester thereof, or a salt ofeach thereof). The unit dosage form can be a packaged preparation, thepackage containing discrete quantities of preparation, such as packetedtablets, capsules, and powders in vials or ampoules. Also, the unitdosage form can be a capsule, tablet, cachet, or lozenge itself, or itcan be the appropriate number of any of these in packaged form.

Other suitable pharmaceutical carriers and their formulations aredescribed in Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy 1995,edited by E. W. Martin, Mack Publishing Company, 19th edition, Easton,Pa.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Treatment of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)

250 adults with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis are randomly assigned toreceive MN-001 or MN-002, each at a daily dose of 500 mg, or placebo,for up to 6 months. The primary outcome is an improvement in histologicfeatures of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, as assessed with the use of acomposite of standardized scores for steatosis, lobular inflammation,hepatocellular ballooning, and/or fibrosis. The results are analyzedfollowing methods well known to the skilled artisan.

Example 2 Treatment of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study is performed on 50patients with NAFLD diagnosed by ultrasound (US) and confirmed by liverbiopsy (40 patients). The patients are randomized to receive MN-001 orMN-002 (each at a daily dose of 500 mg for up to 6 months) or placebo.All patients participate in an identical behavioral weight loss program.All patients undergo monthly evaluation by abdominal US. Liver enzymelevels, lipid profiles, insulin levels, and anthropometric parametersare also monitored, and all patients undergo nutritional follow-upevaluation. Patients also undergo a second liver biopsy examination atthe end of the study. Serum alanine transaminase levels and steatosis byUS are measured as non-limiting endpoints. The results are analyzedfollowing methods well known to the skilled artisan.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method of treating a patient sufferingfrom non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) comprising administering to apatient in need thereof an effective amount of a compound of Formula(I):

or an ester thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of eachthereof, wherein m is an integer from 2 to 5, and n is an integer from 3to 8, X¹ and X² each independently represent a sulfur atom, oxygen atom,sulfinyl group or a sulfonyl group, provided that X¹ and X² are notsimultaneously oxygen atom.
 2. The method of claim 1, in which thecompound of Formula (I) is of Formula (IA)


3. The method of claim 2, in which the compound is present in anorthorhombic polymorphic form A that is substantially free of otherpolymorphic forms.
 4. The method of claim 1, in which the compound isadministered orally.
 5. The method of claim 4, in which the compound isadministered as a tablet or a capsule.
 6. The method of claim 1, inwhich the compound is administered as a liquid dosage form.
 7. Themethod of claim 1, in which the compound is administered in an amountfrom 100 to 4,000 mg/day, divided into one, two, or three portions.
 8. Amethod of treating a patient suffering from non-alcoholicsteatohepatitis (NASH) comprising administering to a patient in needthereof an effective amount of a compound of Formula (IB):

or an ester thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of eachthereof.
 9. A method of reducing liver inflammation in a patientsuffering from non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) comprisingadministering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of acompound of Formula (I):

or an ester thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of eachthereof, wherein m is an integer from 2 to 5, and n is an integer from 3to 8, X¹ and X² each independently represent a sulfur atom, oxygen atom,sulfinyl group or a sulfonyl group, provided that X¹ and X² are notsimultaneously oxygen atom.
 10. The method of claim 9, in which thecompound of Formula (I) is of Formula (IA)


11. The method of claim 10, in which the compound is present in anorthorhombic polymorphic form A that is substantially free of otherpolymorphic forms.
 12. The method of claim 9, in which the compound isadministered orally.
 13. The method of claim 12, in which the compoundis administered as a tablet or a capsule.
 14. The method of claim 9, inwhich the compound is administered as a liquid dosage form.
 15. Themethod of claim 9, in which the compound is administered in an amountfrom 100 to 4,000 mg/day, divided into one, two, or three portions. 16.A method of reducing liver inflammation in a patient suffering fromnon-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) comprising administering to apatient in need thereof an effective amount of a compound of Formula(IB):

or an ester thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of eachthereof.
 17. A method of reducing hepatic fibrosis in a patientsuffering from non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) comprisingadministering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of acompound of Formula (I):

or an ester thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of eachthereof, wherein m is an integer from 2 to 5, and n is an integer from 3to 8, X¹ and X² each independently represent a sulfur atom, oxygen atom,sulfinyl group or a sulfonyl group, provided that X¹ and X² are notsimultaneously oxygen atom.
 18. The method of claim 17, in which thecompound of Formula (I) is of Formula (IA)


19. The method of claim 18, in which the compound is present in anorthorhombic polymorphic form A that is substantially free of otherpolymorphic forms.
 20. The method of claim 17, in which the compound isadministered orally.
 21. The method of claim 20, in which the compoundis administered as a tablet or a capsule.
 22. The method of claim 17, inwhich the compound is administered as a liquid dosage form.
 23. Themethod of claim 17, in which the compound is administered in an amountfrom 100 to 4,000 mg/day, divided into one, two, or three portions. 24.A method of reducing hepatic fibrosis in a patient suffering fromnon-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) comprising administering to apatient in need thereof an effective amount of a compound of Formula(IB):

or an ester thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of eachthereof.
 25. A method of reducing damage to liver cells in a patientsuffering from non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) comprisingadministering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of acompound of Formula (I):

or an ester thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of eachthereof, wherein m is an integer from 2 to 5, and n is an integer from 3to 8, X¹ and X² each independently represent a sulfur atom, oxygen atom,sulfinyl group or a sulfonyl group, provided that X¹ and X² are notsimultaneously oxygen atom.
 26. The method of claim 25, in which thecompound of Formula (I) is of Formula (IA)


27. The method of claim 26, in which the compound is present in anorthorhombic polymorphic form A that is substantially free of otherpolymorphic forms.
 28. The method of claim 25, in which the compound isadministered orally.
 29. The method of claim 28, in which the compoundis administered as a tablet or a capsule.
 30. A method of reducingdamage to liver cells in a patient suffering from non-alcoholicsteatohepatitis (NASH) comprising administering to a patient in needthereof an effective amount of a compound of Formula (IB):

or an ester thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of eachthereof.